Sprint plan to use chips to track cellphones stirs privacy concerns

Article Abstract:

Sprint PCS's plan to insert global positioning semiconductors in its phones to comply with a law that service providers be able to know the location of a 911 call has provoked criticism from privacy advocates. Although wireless carriers say they will be the only ones to pinpoint the caller, critics believe anyone can follow the electronic footprints and use the phone as a tracking device. Should consumers have a right to choose if they want this information to be generated?

Legal issues & crime, Services introduction, Laws, regulations and rules, Sprint Spectrum L.P., Privacy, Right of, Right of privacy, Company service introduction, Service introduction, Global Positioning System, Emergency reporting systems (Telephone)

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Little rumbling ahead of FCC auction

Article Abstract:

The Federal Commuications Commission wireless spectrum auction on Dec. 12 is not going to be a hearty scramble, with only $1.8 billion in potential payments from 87 bidders, compared, for example to the $40 billion auction in Germany. U.S. carriers have already been trading licenses to plug empty spots in their networks. License swapping is popular with carrier investors, an alternative to aggressive bidding wars.

Government regulation, Marketing, Telecommunications regulations, Licensing agreements, Government communications regulation

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Radio feature helps Nextel turn into cellular belle

Article Abstract:

Even though it is thought to be a target for such suitors as MCI WorldCom and British Telecom PLC, Nextel Communications' executives insist it is working on making itself a better, more viable long-term player in the industry, not a takeover target. The company has an impressive 2.96 million global subscribers.

Comment:

Co. is the last independent nat'l wireless phone company

Radio & TV communications equipment, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing, Services information, Cellular Mobile Tel Equip, Wireless telephones, Cellular telephone services industry, Cellular telephone services, Abstract, Design and construction, Nextel Communications Inc., NXTL, Radiotelephones

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